THE GRACIOUS RETURN

One of the great elements of mission trips is the number of friends one makes. All the churches I have been to had very gracious, cordial, and very hospitable people. One of the joys of being in these churches is when they ask you to return.

Last year I spoke at the Alcate Gospel Baptist Church near Victoria, Mindoro. When Pastor Jayson found out I was coming back this year he immediately tried to enlist me for a return visit. By that time my schedule was already full but I thanked him immensely for the honor to be invited back. Well, he would not take “no” for an answer.  So, long story short, I worked to rearrange a few things and was able to come on a Sunday afternoon. The crowd was good, the fellowship was sweet, and the food was delicious….just like last year.

Some interesting things happened that made this visit unique. When I walked into the door, here came a little girl running up to me and said, “Hi Pastor Greg”. I thought “wow, she knows me”. After conversing I found out that she and her two sisters were the two girls I had met last year. We had taken a pic together and that had been my profile pic on Facebook. Now, a year later, they were standing in front of me. A very pleasant surprise. Yes, we took another pic and it is now my profile pic. It was interesting to compare last year’s pic with this year's to see how the girls had grown.  The youngest one stayed with me until time for me to speak. Sweet.

Last year, a couple came up to see me. They were holding a little baby. Now that the baby was born they were on their way to Kuwait to work. Jobs are really hard to find in the Philippines. I ask if I could hold the baby. Then all the cameras came out and started flashing. A Kodak moment!

This year a lady came up to say hello. We talked a little and I asked if she was holding her grandson. She said yes and ask me if I remember holding the little baby of a young couple last year. She said this was that baby now a year older. Wow…more pics.

There was another very interesting person that I met. I was walking around greeting folks and saw this sweet lady standing by the pew. I asked the pastor who she was because her face looked familiar. He reminded me of the lady that we laid hands on last year who had stage four cancer.  He said that she was the one. Her cancer went into remission, her hair had grown back, and she had become very faithful in attendance now that her health was better.

I walked over to her and she smiled real big, gave me a hug, and said she was so glad to see me again. She then told me her story of what God had done for her and the testimony she now shares.

Another pastor came to the service. I led a Pastor/Wives conference at his church last year, spoke on Sunday morning, and spoke at the graduation ceremony of the church’s school. He and his wife took time out of their Sunday afternoon to come and worship with us. I was so glad to see them and get caught up family and church happenings.

And, of course, I can’t finish this post without expressing my gratitude to Pastor Jayson and his wife, Emz. One of the sweetest, most humble couples you will ever meet. Both years they totally went out of their way to make sure I had what I needed, that I was fed well  (no problem there…..lol), and that I was introduced to some new people. One of the neat gestures on their part was their gift to me of a big bag full of little bags of Banana Chips. Hmmmm….so good. Last year, as well as this year, they provided me enough Banana Chips to last a while. I was honored and they were pleased.  And yes, I started eating them as soon as I got back to my room.

Next year, I don’t know what church(s) I will return to but I know the return will be a gracious, high moment for me.

   

Alcate Gospel Baptist Church, near Victoria, Mindoro





     

Three girls in 2016                                 Three girls in 2017




      
  Holding baby in 2016                      Baby one-year later


       

Lady with 4th stage cancer                  Laying on of hands in prayer for lady in 2016





Pastor Alberto and wife Eleanor of the
First Baptist Church of Naujan



   

Pastor Jayson and wife Emz                     Pastor Jayson and his family

PHILIPPINE 2017 ROUND UP

I wanted to round up some final thoughts and trivia and pics about Philippine 2017. I have yet to take a trip abroad that I did not learn many things. Although I know little to no Tagalog I have been fortunate in always finding those who could communicate with English. I spoke to several congregations where the folks could understand English but could not speak English. Fortunately, when in situations where I encountered a non-English situation, someone was with me to intervene. Communication has not been a problem so far.

I have yet to find myself in a situation where I felt unsafe. There have been a few situations where I felt uneasy but that was resolved fairly quick. For example, I was the last person on a bus, the last white person no less, where the bus driver stopped and announced that he was not going any further. So at dusk, I had to get off and quickly look for transportation to the motel. On another occasion when I boarded the bus I asked if they would be stopping at a certain city location.  The location I was referring to was a bus terminal. When the conductor of the bus (the one who collects bus fares) said yes, he was not referring to a bus terminal but a public bus stop.  So there I was in downtown Manila at a bus stop on a major six-lane highway. Fortunately, there were many people at the bus stop and one young man graciously got me on the right public bus which took me to my hotel. This young man even paid for my bus fare.

I never found myself anywhere that people were not friendly and willing to help. There never seemed to be an endless amount of gracious, hospitable people. There is a lot of tipping that goes on for some help. I found that I was anxious to tip those who went beyond expectations. They were grateful to receive the tip as well because some folks don’t tip.

Interestingly, motels/hotels can be as expensive as in the USA whether in Manila or in one of the provinces. Also, to my surprise, many of the beach resorts or hotels with a pool are cheaper than those without any recreational amenities. For example, I stayed at a beach resort for only $26 per night. The beach had gray/black sand, was fairly clean of debris, and the water was swimmable. The restaurant was very fair in price and served good food. I thought the place was a good find.

Conferences, speaking engagements, feeding events, pastor meetings, and impromptu acts of kindness are the norm for all my trips. There is usually at least one, sometimes several, events that rise to be very memorable occasions. This year it was the feeding/clothing of the Mangyan tribe.

Years ago, the Mangyans were some of the original settlers in the Philippines in what was and is the jungle. Some of the tribal communities stayed in the deep jungle while others started moving down the mountains. Currently, the Mangyans still live in the jungle area and have never joined in the populated areas.

The presence of Caucasians in the Philippines is not dominant by any means. White people seem to be more prevalent on the Manila province. Nonetheless, the Mangyan tribes are not accustomed to any white presence. My host pastor talked to the captain of this Mangyan tribe to get his permission for me to come. This tribe not only had never had a white man in their village but they had never seen a white man. This event was a new experience for all of us.

This group of people proved to be as gracious, kind, fun loving, and grateful as any Filipinos that I have met. Very few could engage in an English conversation but they could understand some English. (In the Philippines, the common denominator seems to be an age issue. Young children and senior adults know little to no English. Teens to Median Adults know English because they learned in school.)  They accepted me, loved on me, talked to me, and treated me like they had known me forever. Living in very humble surroundings and by very humble means they were greatly appreciative of the bags of groceries, the bags of clothing, the beef/rice meal, and the kids loved the book/toys.

This was the final list of things that took place:
1. A one-hour musical concert followed by the youth leading in worship.
2. The gospel was shared to 200 Mangyans
3. A huge beef/rice meal was provided for everyone
4. 57 bags of groceries distributed to 57 Mangyan families
5.100 bags of clothing items distributed
6. School supplies distributed to 20 students
7. 100 copies of children books and toys distributed

We were a little sad when the event came to an end. As a matter fact, they said that my host pastor could go ahead and leave. I could stay behind and they would teach me some Tagalog. LOL So, I think they will let me come back.

There are really no words that are adequate to thank all those who have contributed financially to my trips and have bathed all these efforts in prayer. These events/ministries could not have happened without you.

Coming next on this site: Trip trivia and people pics

CHILDREN DO THE GODLIEST THINGS...

In my last post, I mentioned a gift from a young lady who was in my youth group many years ago. She was a gentle, sweet-hearted young lady with an awesome Godly presence about her. NOW THE REST OF THE STORY.  She is an awesome lady with an awesome family. She has two darling little girls. From what I can understand she had told the girls about the sack of groceries projects. That information made missions REAL and tangible in minds of the girls. 

So the mom told the girls "you do some chores and make some money to give towards this mission project and I will match what you make.? The girls worked diligently because they knew their money was going to feed needy people in the Philippines. They also knew that the more money they earned the more food that would be provided for adults and children. 

Well, a heartfelt mission support came to fruition and I received the fruits of their labor. I can't help but believe that these girls will always remember their part in missions and will grow up with a deeper appreciation for mission around the world as well as in their own neighborhood. 

What a neat, inspiring story from the heart and lives of children. 

Gregory T. Bunn
gregorybunn.blogspot.com

GOD'S TIMING....PUTTING GOD IN BOX...

We know that scripture speaks of "God's thoughts are not our thoughts and God's timing is not our timing". And you have heard it said that He is an On-time God. He acts when the timing is right and he is on time....NEVER late.

I  save money for my trips and I always give mission minded people a chance to participate in expenses and projects. Some might call this social begging but in my mind, this is just giving folks another opportunity to be part of missions around the globe, as commanded in Act 1:8. He will impress upon who he would like to be a part. This is NEVER intended to take tithe and offerings from one's local church.

This year folks generously gave to help with expenses and the grocery sack project to feed the Alangan Tribe in Mindoro, Philippines. Up until mid-March, donations were coming in and then just stopped. I assumed that was it. Nothing more was coming so I would need to uses wisely what I received and try to gain more funds. What I had done was put God in a box as I alluded to in my last post. That immediately put me in a lack of faith mode and caused me to depend on myself.

In the last week, I have realized that God had removed himself from the box and was at work again. I received a donation from a faithful generous believer who was in my youth group back in the day. (My next blog I want to share the neat story about that donation.)  Friday, I received a text from a friend who was checking up on the progress of the trip. She made mentioned that she wanted to make a contribution. Then, this very morning I received a text from a camper friend who was also a High School classmate. He was asking for my mailing address.

When I thought the action was over, the donations were through, and I had put God in a box He showed me that I was oh so wrong. How many times in your life to you put God in a box. That job is not going to come through for me. My health is not going to get any better. I'm never going to be able to make that next mortgage payment. My family will never come together in peace and unity. My church has no future of growth. Yes, you have put God in a box. You have said "God, I don't think you will do anymore. Now it is up to me." You have been there. I have been there. Let's get rid of the box and move to deep faith. God bless.

Gregory T. Bunn
gregorybunn.blogspot.com

SOME GOOD NEWS.....

SOME GOOD NEWS.....

Yes, some very good news has come my way. First, I received another contribution for the Philippines
2017. This is always a welcomed gift because of the travel, lodging, misc. expenses, and monies for special projects. I so appreciate those who will come alongside and partner with me.

Second, I received a text message from a pastor who I was with last year. His church attendance runs around 50-60. The people are very kind, generous, gracious, and excellent hosts. He found out that I would be coming back to the Philippines and ask if would like to speak in their Sunday afternoon service followed with a time of fellowship.

The interesting things about this invitation are that: there is usually not a regular afternoon service, there will be many extra people who will come because of the word of mouth (sound like a N.T. church to me), there will be more in attendance at this service because of the inviting, there will be plenty of food for everyone at this gathering, and there will be many children (these young people love hugs and getting their pictures taken).

The humbling issues for me, first of all, are that I would be asked to come back again. Second, that the people would support the service since they have already been there for hours that morning. The pastor and his wife are very humble, gentle, faithful servants of God. I am looking forward to a return trip to that church family. Also, there should be some pastors there who I was with last year. I will enjoy reconnecting with them and getting caught up on news of them, their families, and their churches. We have kept in touch but there is nothing like an in-person conversation/discussion.

The intervention ministry to one of the Mangyan tribes is now in place. I found out that there are six dialects and each dialect constitutes a tribe. I will be working with the Alangan tribe. This tribe consists of 70 children and 80 adults. I will be giving an evangelist message to the group and then a meal will be provided for every person there….150+ people. Then each family will receive a sack filled with groceries (40 sacks). Each family will also receive a variety of meds and the children will each receive a toy. The funds contributed will go to:

1. Purchasing food for the mid-morning snack and a noon meal.
2. Providing a monetary gift to the chef. He has a big job.
3. Purchasing groceries for the sacks and purchasing the meds as well as the toys.
4. Providing a rental car for transportation of myself, my host pastor, and the sacks.

I am so looking forward to this ministry opportunity. The Mangyan tribe, which includes this Alangan tribe, is not around many white people too often but are accepting. Pray for this to be a positive experience for everyone.

There is another church where I will also do a workshop and speak AND do some hard labor. LOL. The removal of brush around a house in which construction came to halt two years ago is still scheduled. Several years ago a family started building a house. The walls of each room were completed before they ran out of money. There were walls but no flooring or roof. Since then, the family has sought to raise money, the church has contributed, and work will begin in May. The problem is that over the last two years brush and small trees have grown up around the house to the point that access to the house is very limited. I have been invited to help with the project in the removal. It will be nice to get know the family as well as other church members.

Last year, I had my itinerary fairly detailed. I knew what, when, where, how, and who. I really didn’t think much about anything but what I had planned. What I had actually done was to put God in a box and ask him to bless my plans. Not good! I found out quickly that is not how He works and I should be more open and aware of needs around me. I found out that other ministry opportunities just seem to materialize. Many times my itinerary was put aside to do what He had put in front of me to do. I am sure that will be true this year.

Please read some of my other blogs to see the various opportunities I will be involved with. I will be with five pastors and get re-acquainted with old friends as well as meet new ones. Again, God bless each of you for your thoughtfulness, your generosity, and your support. Please pray for the people in the Philippines, the pastors, the churches, and the Mangyan tribes. Also, God bless you as you are involved in missions in your own community, your state, your nation, and the ends of the earth.

Note..Next blog about God's timing...

Gregory T. Bunn
Mission to Int. Pastors/Orphans
gregorybunn.blogspot.com

Mission Philippine 2017 Synopsis

Greetings to my Philippine 2017 Partners:

Thank you to the 10 individuals/couples who generously donated to this mission endeavor. I wanted to give a final synopsis of the trip which will take place in May.

The journey begins by visiting and helping a new church plant. The church was started on August 15, 2015, and the attendance is about 80 people. Six home bible studies have been started. Very good for that area. I will be leading a marriage workshop for the church, speaking on Sunday, spending some time with the pastor, and learning about their future needs.

I will enjoy connecting with pastors I met on last year's trip and getting caught up on them, their families, and their churches. We have kept in touch but nothing like an in-person conversation/discussion.

The intervention ministry to one of the Mangyan tribes is now in place. I found out that there are six dialects and each dialect constitutes a tribe. I will be working with the Alangan tribe. This tribe consists of 70 children and 80 adults. I will be giving an evangelist message to the group and then a meal will be provided for every person there….150+ people. Then each family will receive a sack filled with groceries (40 sacks). Each family will also receive a variety of meds and the children will each receive a toy. The funds you contributed will go to:
1. Purchasing food for the meal.
2. Providing a monetary gift to the chef.
3. Purchasing groceries for the sacks and the meds as well as the toys.
4. Providing a rental car for transportation of myself, my host pastor, and the sacks.
I am so looking forward to this ministry opportunity. The Mangyan tribes, which includes this Alangan tribe, are not around too many white people but are accepting. Pray for this to be a positive experience for everyone.

There is another church where I will also do a workshop and speak. The removal of brush around a house in which construction came to halt two years ago is still scheduled. Several years ago a family started building a house. The walls of each room were completed before they ran out of money. There were walls but no flooring or roof. Since then, the family has sought to raise money, the church has contributed, and work will begin in May. The problem is that over the last two years brush and small trees have grown up around the house to the point that access to the house is very limited. I have been invited to help with the project in the removal. It will be nice to get know the family as well as other church members.

I found out last year that other ministry opportunities just seem to materialize and I am sure that will be true this year.

God bless you for your thoughtfulness, your generosity, and your support. Please pray for the people in the Philippines, the pastors, the churches, and the Mangyan tribes. Since I was there last year I have some geographical bearing on where places are. Hopefully, I won’t get lost. LOL Also, please be pray with me as I look towards the fall and another possible trip to the northwestern mountains of Haiti.

God bless you as you are involved in missions in your own community, your state, your nation, and the ends of the earth.

Gregory T. Bunn
Mission to Int. Pastors/Orphans
gregorybunn.blogspot.com

SO GRATEFUL.....

I am so grateful to those who have donated funds to help with Philippines 2017. My trip begins the middle of May on three different provinces.  Here is a synopsis of what is in the works.

The trip begins by visiting and helping a new church plant. The church was started on August 15, 2015, and the attendance is about 80 people. Six home bible studies have been started. Very good for that area. I will be leading a marriage workshop for the church, speaking on Sunday, spending some time with the pastor, and learning about their future needs.

I will enjoy connecting with pastors I met on last year's trip and getting caught up on them, their families, and their churches. We have kept in touch but nothing like an in-person conversation/discussion.

In my last blog, I mentioned about the possibility of being involved in providing an evangelism opportunity, a meal, and a bag of groceries/meds for each family in two Mangyan tribes. I challenged readers to be a part of this project by purchases the sacks of items at $9.50 per sack. The total cost of expenses will come to 66,500 pesos or $1336. As of today. I have received funds to purchase 70 of the 140 sacks needed. This is very good because even if the total funds do not come we will still be able to do the project for one tribal community. Also, there has been donated $450 towards the final $1000 needed for the trip. So grateful for generous friends. 

There is another church where I will also do a workshop and speak. An interesting activity will take place in this community. Several years ago a family started building a house. The walls of each room were completed before they ran out of money. There were walls but no flooring or roof. Since then, the family has sought to raise money, the church as contributed, and work will begin in May. The problem is that over the last two years brush and small trees have grown up around the house to the point that access to the house is very limited. I have been invited to help with the project in the removal. Will be nice to get know the family as well as other church members. Yes, I still do manual labor. lol

I will know more by April but I have been invited to another church to do the workshop and visit with a pastor and wife from Pakistan. I am sure things will materialize. The person(s) responsible for the event are working on details. I plan far in advance but some do not. That is okay.  It is a matter of being a part of someone else's planning process. 

There are still two months until the trip. I am sure several more ministry events will develop. I am very anxious and looking forward to the current ones in the works. Always looking for more prayer and financial partners. Let me know if you could be either. 

So, decide if you would like to donate to the total expenses of the trip…. $2000. (Currently, need another $550)  Decide how many sacks you would like to provide @ $9.50 per sack per family. You can PM me on Facebook messenger or send me an emailgtbunn@windstream.net  to let me know what you would like to do.

You can also go to my blog, gregorybunn.blogspot.com, and click on the contribution tab which will give you info on donating. God bless you for your thoughtfulness, your generosity, and your support. Please pray for the people in the Philippines, the pastors, the churches, the Mangyan tribes, and how God might like for you to be involved.

God bless you as you are involved in missions in your own community, your state, your nation, and the ends of the earth.